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periodic structure∗
H. Chipart
1924†
In his theory of double refraction and natural optical activity, Sarrau1 tried
to deduce, from considerations based on the periodic structure of the medium,
the vector equality
∂D ∂D ∂D
E = f1 D, , ,
∂x ∂y ∂z
Around the same time (1867-1868), Potier2 was in possession of an integra-
tion method that gives more complete results. I intend to establish that Potier’s
analysis gives the vector equality
∂E ∂E ∂E
P = f2 E, , ,
∂x ∂y ∂z
Let us first suppose, as do Briot,3 Sarrau and Potier, that we are dealing with
an isotropic medium with a periodic structure. The equations to be integrated
are
∂2E
∇2 E − ∇∇ · E = K 2 (1)
∂t
∇ · (KE) = 0 (2)
∗ This is an English translation by E. F. Kuester of a paper which originally appeared in
Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences (Paris), vol. 178, pp. 319-321 (1924). For
easier readability, mathematical notation has been made somewhat more consistent with that
normally used today. Thus, vector quantities appear in bold, while grad → ∇, etc. Some
clarifying comments have also been made, indicated as Translator’s Notes. The translator
is grateful to Dr. Alain Bossavit and Dr. Sébastien Rondineau for their comments on the
translation.
† Session of 7 January 1924, presented by L. Lecornu.
1 [Translator’s note: E. Sarrau, “Sur la propagation et la polarisation de la lumière dans
les cristaux,” J. Math. Pures Appl., ser. 2, vol. 12, pp. 1-46 (1867) and vol. 13, pp. 59-110
(1868).]
2 [Translator’s note: A. Potier, “Recherches sur l’integration d’un système d’équations
1
where the dielectric constant K is a periodic function of (x, y, z).
Neglecting terms due to structural scattering4 , we easily see that the solution
to the problem is
Em eiQ + ∇(ΦeiQ )
where
2π
Q= (nαx + nβy + nγz − t),
τ
Em denotes a constant vector and Φ a periodic function of (x, y, z). In what
follows, Em will be written simply as E.
Putting
Θ = αEx + βEy + γEz
we obtain the system (1′ ), (2′ ):
∇ · K∇ ΦeiQ + (E · ∇) KeiQ = 0
(2′ )
Consistent with the order of approximation already used, (2′ ) will be replaced
by (2′′ ):
2πni
∇ · (K∇Φ) + (E · ∇)K + [KΘ + (ν · ∇)(KΦ) + K(ν · ∇)Φ] = 0 (2′′ )
τ
The symbols (E · ∇) and (ν · ∇) in these equations represent the differential
operators5
∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
(E · ∇) = Ex + Ey + Ez , (ν · ∇) = α +β +γ
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z
2
Consequences
1. The equations for the average values Ex , Ey and Ez are of Boussinesq’s
type.6
Indeed, the solutions of (3) and (4) are
3
Remark
Potier’s method of integration can be applied to anisotropic media with periodic
structure. For such media we have the equations
∂2D
∇2 E − ∇∇ · E = , ∇ · D = 0, Dx = k11 Ex + k12 Ey + k13 Ez , ...
∂t2
with the kij (= kji ) being periodic functions of (x, y, z). We again arrive at (5′ )
with Kij = Kji , Hij + Hji = 0; as far as dispersion is concerned, we conclude
that optical activity of structural origin obeys the same laws as optical activity
of atomic origin.